Ablynx appoints Markus Ewert as chief business officer

He will also join the Belgium-based biopharma firm's executive committee

Ghent, Belgium-based biopharmaceutical company Ablynx has appointed Markus Ewert as chief business officer, a role that will see him drive business development and corporate strategy activities.

He has nearly 30 years’ experience in the life sciences industry, with his most recent role as head of the business development team of the healthcare division at General Electric.

Edwin Moses, CEO of Ablynx, said: “Markus brings extensive experience in leading business development teams and executing licensing deals and acquisitions.

“Having held senior positions in big pharma as well as in biotech and consultancy firms, he is ideally suited to become part of our executive committee and play an important role in helping Ablynx achieve its business objectives.”

Prior to his time at GE, Ewert served at Novartis within its cardiovascular and metabolism franchise and subsequently moved to its molecular diagnostics unit as head of strategy.

Ewert was also CEO of two biotech companies and has served as an advisor to pharmaceutical and chemical companies at The Boston Consulting Group.

He said: “I am very excited to join the Ablynx team and lead their business development and strategy activities.

“I am looking forward to strengthening the company’s existing relationships with pharmaceutical companies, creating new partnering and strategic opportunities to further build the product pipeline, and advancing the company.”